This week marks the beginning of “Two Refugees Walking”, an extraordinary 210-day, 2,500-mile walk across all 32 London boroughs undertaken by Joel Mordi, a Nigerian LGBTQ+ and human rights activist, and Amanda Kamanda, a courageous trans activist from Uganda.
The journey will raise critical funds for UNHCR, Minority Inclusion Foundation (MIF), Safe Passage International and Rainbow Migration whilst highlighting the work of each nonprofit, including our “No Pride in Detention” amongst other intersectional topics. The initiative seeks to bring attention to the journeys of refugees around the world, reflecting the treacherous distances many travel for safety, and highlighting the humanitarian crises faced by LGBTQI+ individuals escaping persecution.
The walk is inspired by the humanitarian legacy of Princess Diana and the memory of Joel’s elder sister of blessed memory, Mrs. Nwanne MaryJane Ikechi (née Mordi), who tragically passed away due to an acute asthma attack. Influenced also by Es Devlin’s recent work Congregation, the project draws together themes of community, resilience, and social justice to spotlight the ongoing plight of refugees and those affected by prejudice and persecution.
According to Joel, “This walk is a tribute to the millions of forcibly displaced persons worldwide, as well as a tribute to anyone who has lost someone—young or old.” By walking backward, Joel aims to symbolize the regressive laws and backward policies that continue to enable loss of lives of people seeking refuge due to lack of “safe routes to safety” and the impact LGBTQI+ lives globally, particularly in refugee detention and asylum processes. As Joel walks backward, Amanda walks forward, a statement of resilience and a call to action against persecution, discrimination, and the suppression of human rights.
Amanda adds, “Our walk is more than a fundraiser; it is a political statement against the LGBTQ+ witch-hunt, regressive laws, and attacks on human rights. Our hope is to spark awareness and action across communities, individuals, and leaders worldwide.”
Throughout the walk, Joel and Amanda will speak at events and engage with the public to amplify the voices of those impacted by refugee crises, discriminatory policies, and human rights abuses. Their organisation, Minority Inclusion Foundation UK (MIF UK), aims to foster inclusivity and support for minoritised communities, including forcibly displaced LGBTQI+ individuals, while empowering people from diverse backgrounds through arts, education, and advocacy.
Find out more and support Joel and Amanda during this inspiring action and in setting up their foundation.